2 answers
Femi
Student
California City, California
1
Question
Asked
318 views
Requirements for chartered accountant ?
How do I navigate into being a chartered accountant after high school. What are the requirements please?
Login to comment
2 answers
Jordan Gunnelson
Finance Consulting
2
Answers
Boston, Massachusetts
Updated
Jordan’s Answer
That is very exciting that you are thinking of pursuing an accounting professional licensure! As a CPA myself, I can say from experience that it can lead to very fulfilling career opportunities.
After high school the first step to becoming a chartered accountant, or typically a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license in the United States, would be to pursue an undergraduate degree from an approved college or university. During your time in college it would be helpful to take some classes in accounting and accounting-related fields in order to cover some of the prerequisites to sit for the accounting examinations. Additionally, you will need to obtain a certain number of credit hours in order to qualify to take the accounting exams, historically it has been approximately 150 credit hours.
Finally, you will need to get some professional work experience working under the supervision of a CPA or in an accounting firm in order to finalize your licensure application. Note that every state in the U.S. has their own individual requirements for becoming a CPA, so depending on where you would like to work, make sure you are looking up the appropriate licensing board websites so you are working towards the correct requirements.
With these types of goals it is important to take these goals one step at a time. Focus on getting a good education and learning all about business and accounting. Obtaining a professional licensure can be a difficult journey, but it can be very rewarding and eventually open up a significant number of doors to you in your career.
After high school the first step to becoming a chartered accountant, or typically a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license in the United States, would be to pursue an undergraduate degree from an approved college or university. During your time in college it would be helpful to take some classes in accounting and accounting-related fields in order to cover some of the prerequisites to sit for the accounting examinations. Additionally, you will need to obtain a certain number of credit hours in order to qualify to take the accounting exams, historically it has been approximately 150 credit hours.
Finally, you will need to get some professional work experience working under the supervision of a CPA or in an accounting firm in order to finalize your licensure application. Note that every state in the U.S. has their own individual requirements for becoming a CPA, so depending on where you would like to work, make sure you are looking up the appropriate licensing board websites so you are working towards the correct requirements.
With these types of goals it is important to take these goals one step at a time. Focus on getting a good education and learning all about business and accounting. Obtaining a professional licensure can be a difficult journey, but it can be very rewarding and eventually open up a significant number of doors to you in your career.
Lirio Delgado
201
Answers
Phoenix, Arizona
Updated
Lirio’s Answer
Becoming a Chartered Accountant (CA) typically involves a combination of education, examinations, and practical experience. Here’s a general roadmap for how you can navigate this path after high school:
### 1. **Educational Requirements**
- **Complete High School:** Focus on subjects like mathematics, economics, and business studies, as these will be beneficial for your CA journey.
- **Undergraduate Degree:** Enroll in a bachelor’s degree program in accounting, finance, business, or a related field. Some CA bodies allow entry with a general undergraduate degree, but having a relevant degree can be advantageous.
### 2. **Professional Accounting Body Membership**
Different countries have different professional accounting bodies, each with its own set of requirements. Here are some examples:
- **In the United States:** The equivalent is the Certified Public Accountant (CPA). The CPA requirements include passing the CPA exam, completing a certain number of college credits, and gaining relevant work experience.
- **In the United Kingdom:** The Chartered Accountants are typically members of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) or similar bodies. You would need to complete the ACA qualification, which includes passing exams, completing a training contract, and demonstrating practical experience.
- **In Canada:** The CA designation is now part of the CPA designation, administered by CPA Canada. You need to complete the CPA Professional Education Program (PEP), pass the Common Final Examination (CFE), and gain practical experience.
- **In Australia:** The Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ) requires you to complete the CA Program, which includes passing exams, gaining practical experience, and meeting other requirements.
### 3. **Exams and Qualification**
- **Enroll in the Program:** Once you’ve completed your degree, you will need to enroll in the CA program offered by the professional accounting body of your choice.
- **Pass the Exams:** The CA qualification typically involves passing a series of examinations that test your knowledge and skills in various areas of accounting and finance.
### 4. **Practical Experience**
- **Gain Relevant Work Experience:** Most CA programs require you to complete a certain amount of practical work experience under the supervision of a qualified accountant. This experience helps you apply your theoretical knowledge in real-world situations.
### 5. **Ethics and Continuing Education**
- **Ethics Requirements:** You may need to complete an ethics course as part of your qualification process.
- **Continuing Professional Development (CPD):** After becoming a CA, you are usually required to engage in ongoing professional development to maintain your certification.
### 6. **Networking and Job Search**
- **Network:** Join professional accounting associations and attend industry events to connect with other professionals and potential employers.
- **Job Search:** Look for entry-level positions or internships in accounting firms or financial departments where you can gain experience and work towards meeting the practical experience requirements.
### 1. **Educational Requirements**
- **Complete High School:** Focus on subjects like mathematics, economics, and business studies, as these will be beneficial for your CA journey.
- **Undergraduate Degree:** Enroll in a bachelor’s degree program in accounting, finance, business, or a related field. Some CA bodies allow entry with a general undergraduate degree, but having a relevant degree can be advantageous.
### 2. **Professional Accounting Body Membership**
Different countries have different professional accounting bodies, each with its own set of requirements. Here are some examples:
- **In the United States:** The equivalent is the Certified Public Accountant (CPA). The CPA requirements include passing the CPA exam, completing a certain number of college credits, and gaining relevant work experience.
- **In the United Kingdom:** The Chartered Accountants are typically members of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) or similar bodies. You would need to complete the ACA qualification, which includes passing exams, completing a training contract, and demonstrating practical experience.
- **In Canada:** The CA designation is now part of the CPA designation, administered by CPA Canada. You need to complete the CPA Professional Education Program (PEP), pass the Common Final Examination (CFE), and gain practical experience.
- **In Australia:** The Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ) requires you to complete the CA Program, which includes passing exams, gaining practical experience, and meeting other requirements.
### 3. **Exams and Qualification**
- **Enroll in the Program:** Once you’ve completed your degree, you will need to enroll in the CA program offered by the professional accounting body of your choice.
- **Pass the Exams:** The CA qualification typically involves passing a series of examinations that test your knowledge and skills in various areas of accounting and finance.
### 4. **Practical Experience**
- **Gain Relevant Work Experience:** Most CA programs require you to complete a certain amount of practical work experience under the supervision of a qualified accountant. This experience helps you apply your theoretical knowledge in real-world situations.
### 5. **Ethics and Continuing Education**
- **Ethics Requirements:** You may need to complete an ethics course as part of your qualification process.
- **Continuing Professional Development (CPD):** After becoming a CA, you are usually required to engage in ongoing professional development to maintain your certification.
### 6. **Networking and Job Search**
- **Network:** Join professional accounting associations and attend industry events to connect with other professionals and potential employers.
- **Job Search:** Look for entry-level positions or internships in accounting firms or financial departments where you can gain experience and work towards meeting the practical experience requirements.